Specifically, the survey data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2008, of 17,567 US adults ages 19 years and older, revealed that the 347 adults (50 percent female) who consumed avocados in any amount during a 24-hour dietary recording period had several significantly better nutrient intake levels and more positive health indicators than those who did not consume avocados.

Avocado consumers also had significantly higher intakes of "good" fats (18 percent more monounsaturated and 12 percent more polyunsaturated) and total fats (11 percent more) than non-consumers, although average caloric intake of both groups was the same.

The study found that Avocado consumers had a 50 percent lower odds ratio for metabolic syndrome compared to non-consumers.

Metabolic syndrome is a name given to a group of risk factors which, when they occur together, increase the risk for coronary artery disease, stroke and type-2 diabetes.